And, this leads to the topic of this blog post: what pins can a 4-H member earn? And how do you get them? 4-H pins can only be handed out by a community leader or awarded at different events, or Achievement Night (usually held in October for Alameda County). You can’t order them, or borrow them from someone else. However, just by being an active 4-H member, you can earn as many pins as needed to end up with a heavy and clanky hat of your own. Here’s a list of pins to inspire and get you started!
Year Completion Pins:
If a member completes at least one project, attends at least 6 hours of meetings, fills out a project report and hands in their record book for signing and judging, they will get a Year Completion Pin.
Year Stripes:
These are similar to the Year Pins, but are a strip of white felt that needs to be sewn onto the 4-H hat.
Officer Pins:
Members who hold an office in a 4-H Club may be awarded officer pins for positions such as: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Reporter, Council Member, and Chairman.
100% Attendance:
If a member maintains perfect attendance at all 4-H Club meetings and is a member in good standing, they are eligible to receive a 100% attendance pin. 4-H Clubs may determine appropriate excused absences and determine whether they count towards 100% attendance. Pins may be purchased through National 4-H Supply Service or All Action Awards, (530) 666-3220.
Presentation Proficiency:
Clubs and projects may choose to award this pin to members who demonstrate proficiency at presentation events or contests. Pins may be order through All Action Awards, (530) 666-3220.
Star Rankings:
Stars are awarded based on a member’s participation in the eight categories of the Personal Development Report. Members must complete a record book in order to be evaluated for a star ranking. For more information, please see Star Rankings (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum). Stars may be purchased through National 4-H Supply Service or Leslie Carman 4-H Club Supplies.
Club Record Book Pin:
This pin is awarded to members who submit a record book at the club level and earn a gold seal in their age category.
Junior Leader Emblem and Pin:
Members ages 11-13 years old who hold the position of Junior Leader receive this recognition. Members must complete the junior/teen leadership report in order to be eligible. For more information, please see Junior and Teen Leaders. Emblems may be purchased through National 4-H Supply Service or Leslie Carman 4-H Club Supplies. Pins may only be purchased through National 4-H Supply Service.
Teen Leader Emblem and Pin:
Members ages 14-19 years old who hold the position of teen leader receive this recognition. Members must complete the junior/teen leadership report in order to be eligible. For more information, please see Junior and Teen Leaders. Emblems may be purchased through National 4-H Supply Service or Leslie Carman 4-H Club Supplies. Pins may only be purchased through National 4-H Supply Service.
4-H iSprout Pins:
Members who complete the iSprout Leadership Development project are eligible for this yearly recognition. Each year is represented by a different colored pin (1st year: green, 2nd year: blue, 3rd year: orange, 4th year: red). Pins are purchased directly from the State 4-H Office
4-H iGrow Pins:
Members who complete the iGrow Leadership Development project are eligible for this yearly recognition. Pins are purchased directly from the State 4-H Office
4-H iThrive Pins:
Members who complete the iThrive Leadership Development project or who served a year as a 4-H Thrive Master Trainer are eligible for this yearly recognition. The first year of completion, members will be awarded the oval “Thrive” pin. For each additional year of project completion, members receive one clover for each year so that the “Thrive” pin sits on a bed of clovers. Pins are purchased directly from the State 4-H Office
Other Club Pins:
These pins may be used at the discretion of the 4-H Club to recognize 4-H members for various achievements throughout the year (e.g. project completion, personal development, outstanding service, etc.). These pins provide 4-H Clubs with the flexibility to offer incentives and recognition that may not otherwise be available. 4-H Clubs may choose to engrave these pins or award them as presented. Please note: All 4-H recognition systems must be developed to enhance the members’ learning experience and 4-H core values. For more information, please visit: Chapter 13 V. Criteria for Recognition Systems. Pins may be purchased through National 4-H Supply Service or All Action Awards, (530) 666-3220.
County Achievement
Members receiving these awards are typically recognized by the County 4-H Council at Achievement Night
Project Pins:
This recognition is received by members who participate at exhibit/field days and qualify as county winners. Members completing project proficiency levels may also receive this recognition. Pins are specific to each project and may be purchased through National 4-H Supply Service.
County Presentation Day Pin:
This recognition is received by a member who presents at County Presentation Day and meets the requirements for a gold medal in their age group and presentation category. Presentations may include illustrated talks, demonstrations, impromptu speeches, prepared speeches, interpretive readings, educational displays, share the fun, cultural arts, problem solving demonstrations, or audio/visual presentations. For more information, please see Public Speaking. Pins may be purchased through All Action Awards, (530) 666-3220.
Judging Pin:
Members are awarded a judging pin if they medal in a county or state level judging contest. Members may qualify for a gold, silver, or bronze pin based on the predetermined judging criteria. Pins may be purchased through All Action Awards, (530) 666-3220.
County Record Book Pin:
Members who qualify with a gold seal at the club level may submit their record books for county level judging. This pin is awarded to medalists and county winners. Pins may be purchased through All Action Awards, (530) 666-3220.
All Star Emblem:
All Star Ambassador is the highest recognition that can be conferred on senior (ages 14+) members at the county level. 4-H County All Star Ambassadors receive this recognition through a selection process defined at the local level to provide members with expanded leadership experiences. For more information, please see 4-H County All Star Ambassadors. All Star emblems may be purchased through National 4-H Supply Service or Leslie Carman 4-H Club Supplies. Pins may be requested through the state 4-H office (annual orders are placed in February) or purchased through All Action Awards, (530) 666-3220.
Emerald Star Emblem and Pin:
The emerald star is a recognition provided to 4-H members (ages 11-19) who complete a project beyond the 4-H Club level. Upon completion of their emerald star project, members are awarded their emerald star emblem. Some counties may also choose to award an emerald star pin; however, there is no standard place to purchase these. For more information, please see 4-H County Emerald Star. Emblems may be purchased through National 4-H Supply Service, Leslie Carman 4-H Club Supplies, StockPins.com, Trophy Central, Classic Medallics, or at AthleticAwards.com.
Hi 4-H Emblem:
Members receive a Hi 4-H emblem when they actively participate in a county Hi 4-H program. Hi 4-H programs vary from county to county. Emblems may be purchased through National 4-H Supply Service or Leslie Carman 4-H Club Supplies.
Showmanship Pin:
This award recognizes members who are medalists or county winners at 4-H field days or animal exhibit days. Members may receive a bronze, silver, or gold pin based on the judging criteria. Pins may be purchased through All Action Awards, (530) 666-3220.
County Fashion Revue Pin:
County winners or medalists at county fashion revue are awarded a county fashion revue pin. Pins may be purchased through All Action Awards, (530) 666-3220.
Adult Leader Pin:
The adult leader pin is used to recognize 4-H volunteer leaders. Leaders receive this pin after completing their first year as an adult leader with the program. Pins may be requested through the state 4-H office (annual orders are placed in February) or purchased through All Action Awards, (530) 666-3220.
General 4-H Recognition Pin:
This pin may be used to recognize various contributions to the 4-H Youth Development Program. Examples include County Board of Supervisors, judges at 4-H events, donors, and recognition of organizations partnering with 4-H. Pins may be requested through the state 4-H office (annual orders are placed in February).
General 4-H Recognition
State Achievement
Members receiving these awards are typically recognized at sectional or state level events and conferences
Sectional/Regional Presentation Day Pin:
Members who qualify with a gold at County Presentation Day are eligible to compete at Sectional/Regional Presentation Day. Presentation Day pins recognize individuals who meet the gold medal requirements in their age group and presentation category at the sectional level. For more information, please see Public Speaking. Pins may be purchased through All Action Awards, (530) 666-3220.
State 4-H Shooting Sports Match Pin:
Members who received top honors in this event earn the pin. View the webpage for more information. Pins are awarded at the state level and cannot be purchased.
State 4-H Field Day Pin:
Members who receive a gold at State Field Day in the Presentation Day or Judging Contest; or top placing in Plant Science Contest or Photography Contest are recognized with a State Field Day pin. For more information, please see State 4-H Field Day. Pins are awarded at the state level and cannot be purchased.
State 4-H Field Day Special Recognition Pins:
Special recognition will be given to youth who focus their presentations on one of the following areas: Science, Engineering and Technology, Healthy Living, and Military Youth. For more information, please see Recognition Opportunities. Pins are awarded at the state level and cannot be purchased.
State Fashion Revue Pin:
Members who qualify as county winners at county fashion revue are eligible to compete at state fashion revue. State fashion revue winners are awarded these pins according to their age group and category.
State Service Pin:
Members and volunteers who participate on a state or regional council or committee are recognized with these pins. Youth are awarded silver pins and adults are awarded gold pins. Pins may be ordered by the state advisory chairs and awarded by the county. Please see Advisory Committees for more information.
California Focus Plan of Action Pin:
County delegations who attend the California Focus Conference and successfully complete their plan of action receive this recognition. Plans of action are presented on the final day of the conference and delegations must submit their final report to the state 4-H office at April of the following year. For more information, please see California Focus. Pins are awarded at the state level and cannot be purchased.
State 4-H Record Book Winner:
Senior 4-H members are eligible to enter the state record book competition. State judging is focused on selecting 4-H members who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their 4-H project work. State medalists receive a silver pin and certificate. State winners receive a gold pin and a certificate. For more information, please see Record Book Competitions. Pins are awarded at the state level and cannot be purchased.
Golden Clover Award:
The Golden Clover Awards recognize outstanding achievements of members, volunteers, program staff, and groups within the 4-H Youth Development Program. If selected, the recipient is presented with the Golden Clover pin, medallion, and $500. For more information, please see 4-H Golden Clover Awards. Pins are awarded at the state level and cannot be purchased.
State Ambassador Pin:
4-H State Ambassador (previously 4-H Diamond Star) is one of the highest service opportunities and recognition attainable in the 4-H Youth Development Program. 4-H State Ambassadors are youth who have excelled in the areas of leadership and community service, and have been selected to serve the 4-H program in roles that promote leadership through education and service. For more information, please see the 4-H State Ambassador page. Pins are awarded at the 4-H State Leadership Conference at the beginning of the Ambassador term and cannot be purchased.
State Ambassador and Diamond Star Pins
Seals and Certificates
Members may receive these awards at the club, county, regional, or state level.
Seals:
Seals are awarded to members for various events and competitions. The most commonly used ranking system awards gold, blue, red, and white seals. Green seals are typically awarded for participation. Standards may vary by competition and county. Seals may be purchased through National 4-H Supply.
Certificates:
Certificates are presented to members for various awards, events, and competitions. Below is a current list of certificate templates for club and county use.